Nicole Bush Gets One Step Closer to Olympic Pursuit
7/1/2008 12:00:00 AM | Track and Field
July 1, 2008
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State All-American Nicole Bush was one of 14 runners to advance to Friday morning's final of the 3000m steeplechase last night at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trails in Eugene, Ore. Bush finished first in her heat and second overall with a personal best time of 9:49.53.
"I figured the safest place to be was up front," explained Bush after her race. "I was just hanging out up there to put myself in the best circumstance to finish in the top four. I just need to do the best I can (in the finals)."
Bush, who entered the trials ranked eighth in the field, will return to Heyward Field on Friday, July 4 for the finals which is set to begin at 12:45 a.m. ET. In order to qualify for the United States Olympic Team, Bush will need to place among the top-three and run an Olympic standard time of 9:46. The race can be seen live on USA Network.
Colorado's Jenny Barringer topped the field of 24 participants with a time of 9:48.50.
Bush, an All-American in the steeplechase in 2006 and 2007, redshirted her 2008 outdoor season in order to prepare of this opportunity. She currently holds the school record in the event (9:56.68) and looks to become the only the third Michigan State women's track & field student-athlete to qualify for the Olympic Games. Sevatheda Fynes, a four-time All-American, won gold in 2000 as part of the Bahamas' 4x100m relay team and also took home silver at the 1996 Games in 4x400m relay. Meanwhile, three-time All-American Judi Brown is the lone Spartan to represent the United States, winning a silver medal in the 400m hurdles in 1984.
Players Mentioned
